This is one of those truths that spans creative fields, including art and fashion: Black is powerful. It can underline, sharpen, ground, deepen, and add drama. We have wielded this power in a couple of key ways.

A Little Contrast

In a mostly light and neutral room, even a whisper of black can speak loudly. In this peaceful bedroom in Milwaukee, there was only room for tiny nightstands flanking the bed. Choosing a pair in black, and pairing it with artwork full of delicate black lines, created contrast and highlighted the use of cream tones.

Make it Modern

In an old house in Connecticut, modern shapes, clad in back, bring the house forward in time. But the black finish in the vintage pieces—the chippy side table and global rug—do their job in modernizing the space, too.

Add Depth

These wallpapers’ black grounds add depth to small rooms, but their lively multi-colored patterns keep it from getting too dark.

Full Black

Alternatively, go all in with soot-black walls. Paint the radiator and add a black cabinet for good measure, but make it textured or sculptural to pop off the walls.